How to Convert Stock Certificates
- 1). Look at your most recent brokerage statement and make sure your name and address are correct. Note the exact name used on the brokerage form.
- 2). Examine your stock certificates for the name on the front. Confirm that the name on the certificate matches the name on your brokerage statement.
- 3). Turn the stock certificate over and sign the back using the exact name that is listed on the front. If the names and the signature are not an exact match the transfer will be rejected. If the stock certificates are issued in more than one name, all registered owners must sign the certificate exactly as their names appear on the front.
- 4). Obtain a signature guarantee from your local bank, credit union or brokerage firm. This guarantee is required for a successful transfer of stock ownership.
- 5). Record the name of the recipient on the back of each stock certificate, along with that person's address and their Social Security number or taxpayer identification number. It is important that all of this information be provided.
- 6). Send the stock certificates to the recipient via certified mail or an insured carrier like UPS or FedEx. If you are donating the stock to a charity be sure to enclose a letter asking for a receipt you can use for tax purposes.
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